Harden's survey result
Summary
“Continues to impress after 25 years or more since our first visit” – the Stein family’s harbourside HQ continues to deliver the goods for the very many people who report on it in our annual diners’ poll. Opened in 1975, it is nowadays run primarily by Rick’s ex-wife Jill and her sons, and achieves the hard task of living up to the world fame of TV chef Rick (who nowadays spends a good chunk of his year living down under in Aus’). If you were to quibble, you would say the food is “lovely but not brilliant” or that it’s “not cheap by any means”, but to an impressive extent serious disappointments are completely absent in feedback this year: “you get the excellent seafood that you would expect with a good mix mix of interesting dishes alongside more plainly cooked options that allow you to fully appreciate the quality of the fish”. “Well worth the trip to Cornwall: the freshest seafood served with care and love!”
Summary
“Still amazing and it is over 25 years since we have last been!” – the harbourside HQ of the Stein family’s national group was opened in 1975 by Jill and Rick Stein and remains one of the most commented-on destinations in our annual diners’ poll. “It may be 47 years old, but the food is still amazing – the ‘Fruits De Mer’ is such a dreamy treat” and “so scrummy lobster” is another much-mentioned option amongst “the amazing fish choices that are so delicious and so fresh”. There are quibbles – “some tables are exceptionally close!” – and “service can struggle to attend to everyone”. Still, “the busy-ness creates a buzz, somehow the venue still delivers a memorable occasion and a trip feels like a right of passage that everyone should experience at least once!”.
Summary
“The original and still the best” – the Stein family’s veteran flagship can claim more longevity than most UK destinations and it continues to wow many reporters even after all these years. “Despite it being a large space” the staff show “attention to detail” and the food is “always reliable with an excellent variety of seafood”. “Yes, many of the dishes have been on the menu for years, but the exceptional quality of the fish and their careful presentation of the dishes make this a genuine treat.”
Summary
Harsher reports say the Stein family’s “large and buzzing” HQ near the harbour wall (but without any views) is “overpriced and you’re paying for the name”. But, a more representative view on the cradle of Rick Stein’s TV celebrity is that “despite the close proximity of the tables in the dining room, it’s still worth a visit”. Yes, probably there are restaurants “just as good but cheaper elsewhere in Cornwall” (and it’s not in the same league as Nathan Outlaw’s restaurants down the coast), but most reports still acclaim its “good choice” of “fantastic and well-prepared fish”, agreeable atmosphere and “friendly, knowledgeable staff”.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Seafood Restaurant?
Riverside, Padstow, PL28 8BY
Restaurant details
Seafood Restaurant Restaurant Diner Reviews
"After 22 years visiting this restaurant, I’m compelled to express dismay at its descent in my estimation. The quality of food, service and mojo of the place has fallen to a point where I feel we may as well go to a pub chain as eat there. We’ve given this place several chances in the last year or so, and I’m afraid it’s become a ‘three strikes and you’re out’ situation. What was once our favourite place is now a former shadow of itself. I’m tempted to post a crying face emoji at this point, but maybe that would be just a little too tacky. "
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £30.00 |  |
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Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £24.00 | £42.00 | £10.50 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £24.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.75 |
| Extras |
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|---|---|
| Bread | £6.95 |
| Service | 12.50% |
Riverside, Padstow, PL28 8BY
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 5:30 pm‑9 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 5:30 pm‑9 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 5:30 pm‑9 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 5:30 pm‑9 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 5:30 pm‑9 pm |
| Saturday | CLOSED |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
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